American Rope Horse Futurity Association Wraps Up Inaugural Show in Houston

Two look-alike stallions who have proven to be standout performers continued their winning ways and clinched the championships at Houston's inaugural rope horse futurity.

The American Rope Horse Futurity Association (ARHFA) was formed in 2007 to shine a light on the futurity-aged rope horses, similar to what the cutting, reined cow horse, and barrel horse industries had been doing for years. In recent years, however, the industry has exploded, and the rope horse futurities have become an exciting endeavor with shows all across the nation. 

This year was the first year for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to host an ARHFA show, and the numbers were impressive. With over 250 horses entered throughout the classes, there was talent to be seen on all fronts. 

The ARHFA offers multiple different rider classes to enter in addition to the futurity, including the “intermediate” and “limited”. The “intermediate” rider class requires the rider to hold a World Series heading number of 7+ or lower or a heeling number of 8+ or lower. To enter the “limited” rider class, you must hold a heading card of 6+ or lower or a heeling card of 7 or lower. 

Additionally, the ARHFA offers a Non-Pro class for riders who are essentially not paid to train horses or give lessons and hold a World Series card of 5+ or lower. These ropers can ride horses of any age and rope separately from the futurity! 

It was The Darkk Side and Miles Baker who came out on top in the heading futurity with a composite score of 921.41. The 2019 bay roan stallion by Once In A Blu Boon out of DT Sugar Chex Whiz, owned by The Darkk Side Syndicate, is most accredited for his 2023 AQHA World Championship with Trevor Brazile but clinched yet another win in Houston with ease. They brought home $10,360 in the finals round alone, likely putting the stallion close to or over the $100,000 mark in lifetime earnings. 

In the heeling, Pride and Joyy stole the show and clinched the victory, much like his look-alike friend The Darkk Side. Jeremy Buhler jockeyed the 2019 bay roan stallion by Stevie Rey Von out of Fun N Fancy Free for a composite score of 928.94, good for $11,155 in the final round. The talented stallion, affectionately referred to as “Kilo,” is owned by Relentless Remuda, Solo Select, and Kaleb Terlip and has lifetime earnings exceeding $133,000 before his earnings in Houston. 

Jeremy Buhler on Pride and Joyy / BrandedMane Photography

Paul Bogart made a clean sweep of the Non-Pro heading riding Two Eyed Meterman by Freckles Meterman out of Jacks Royal Ginger. With a total score of 674.52, $2,560 was paid out in the finals for their efforts. 

Yet another clean sweep was made in the Non-Pro heeling by Jade Phillip and Bit Of Metallic 15, who is by Metallic Cat out of Bit Of Shorty. A total score of 605.87 was awarded $3,040 in the finals. 

For full results, visit the American Rope Horse Futurity Association.